ICL-TP has developed a methodology and tests to assess risks related to use of flame retardants in their applications (see also pinfa Newsletters n° 61 and 76), considering both their hazard and their exposure. The method takes into account four levels of substance hazard and three levels of exposure.
Exposure is assessed based on frequency of exposure for a given use, and on potential emissions due to migration to the product surface (blooming), leaching or volatilisation. In all cases, the most likely emission and worst case exposure scenarios are used. The method presents the sustainability of different uses (identify uses that are recommended, acceptable or not recommended) or defines that the FR poses unacceptable hazards in which case alternatives must be identified. The company’s objective is to enable users to select the most sustainable flame retardant solution for a given product or application.
SAFR® (Systematic Assessment for Flame Retardants) http://www.icl-group.com/sustainability/systematic-assessment-for-flame-retardants-safr/